QUITE A BATTLE TO MAKE FINAL SIX IN EASTER CUP

Ian Fortune

The opening two rounds of the Bresbet Easter Cup confirmed the obvious; you can take nothing for granted in greyhound racing.

A number of big names have already exited the oldest competition on the calendar and yet it remains a classic packed with quality.

The semi-finals of the early season classic are the feature of a top class card at Shelbourne Park and both heats are very open with any number of possible outcomes.

A WONDERFUL CONTEST CAN GO DUKE’S WAY

Clona Duke has been vaulted to favouritism for outright glory but he faces a tough test of his credentials in the opening heat.

A trap one draw will suit should he flash from traps and get loose early but his tendency to edge off the fence and the presence of Highview Splash in two is a concern.

Unlike Clona Duke, Highview Splash will be looking for the rail in the early yards and the potential is there for the pair to bump. Should either get to the front early without taking a hefty bump, they would be very difficult to stop. Certainly, Highview Splash was very impressive in the quarter finals when dominant in a fastest of the round 29.73. A repeat of that run would see him go very close.

Undulation will be seen as the value alternative after two fine victories in the opening rounds. Brendan Matthews’ star has superb pace from start to finish and has to be respected, while Clonbrien Treaty and Ballymac Walt will both be looking to set a strong pace on the outside of the track. It’s fair to say, on recent evidence, that if either are to win, they must get to the front before the third turn as neither have been seeing out the 550yd trip too strongly.

To highlight what a wonderful contest this is, Deadly Jet, who was so impressive last week, is expected to start a big price from trap three. Picking a winner certainly isn’t easy but slight preference is for Clona Duke. Should he come away racing, he is drawn on the right side of all his main rivals. Highview Splash will have a battle on his paws to get to the fence. Instead, Undulation is nominated as the main threat.

MARTHA TO REDISCOVER HER WINNING WAYS

While all four quarter final winners meet in the opening heat, the second is no less intriguing.

So much will depend on the opening exchanges, although Glengar Martha is set to start a warm favourite from trap five after showing signs of a return to her brilliant best last week.

In a race where there isn’t an abundance of early speed, the Pat Buckley trained star could potentially set the pace into the turn and that could make all the difference.

One that is certainly lurking in the long grass is Boylesports Bob. He has shown on more than one occasion he has a massive engine and, were he to get his trapping right, he could match any in training. He is nominated as the main threat.

Droopys Fidget will also attract support on the fence. A strong running bitch with an ideal draw, she wouldn’t need much to fall her way to come out on top. Jack Kennelly is double handed and he too can have high hopes with both Beepers Lariat and Sogna In Grande. Both trackers are very consistent with the ability to go up strongly and the all-round pace to challenge.

That leaves the Adam Dunford trained Hukum to complete the field. He actually went fastest of the sextet last week but will probably be looking for the gaps to unleash a big finish. If the gaps arrive, he too has the ability to make the frame.

It’s another tremendous contest with the vote going to Glengar Martha. Boylesports Bob and Droopys Fidget will need to be on their toes early but both can emerge as dangers to the selection.